N.O.S. Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 I came across this in a tiny illage on the Isle de Re, off La Rochelle, called Le Bois. As I entered the square I thought a calamity had befallen the memorial, but couldn't make it out. Then it became clear. Like it or not (and that is not the point), do you not agree it is quite stunning, and a wonderful tribute? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Great War truck Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 That is impressive. I came across (i think in ATB) photos of a similar one from WW1. But when the Germans arrived in WW2 they blew it up. Certainly, it does not mince words. We should have some like that in the UK, but no doubt there would be a lot of protests including the RSPB. Tim (too) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antarmike Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 The War memorial in Coningsby is not a cross but a truncated column. ( to signify I believe lives cut short). When the Commitee deciding the best kept village contest saw the truncated monument, they decided that if the villagers couldn't be bothered to repair their "broken" war memorial then they didn't deserve to win the competition.... Err???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snapper Posted June 4, 2008 Share Posted June 4, 2008 The Germans destroyed many memorials they took offence to, sometimes becasue of the eagles and sometimes because they felt like it. The great monument on the mole in Zeebrugge was blown up amonst others. I presume this is a post WW2 memorial, because it would not have survived the occupation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joris Posted June 5, 2008 Share Posted June 5, 2008 But on the other hand the Germans let the locals take care of the allied gravesides without hasseling them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snapper Posted June 5, 2008 Share Posted June 5, 2008 Not everywhere. They didn't allow any work at many Great War cemeteries. But to be fair they usually gave decent burials to allied dead. However at Le Paradis I met a man who kept an RAF crew buried in his back yard without telling the Germans because they were getting nasty about Terrorfleigers. He visits them every day in the CWGC plot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rlangham Posted June 5, 2008 Share Posted June 5, 2008 The one GWT mentions is probably the Australian one, with an eagle on its back about to be bayonetted from above by an Australian soldier Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.